BUSINESS IN BRIEF: Credit Unions give students a dose of financial reality

Reality Fair volunteers from Diamond Credit Union, Tri County Federal Credit Union and Wrigley’s Office Supply pose in their aprons during a break at the Financial Reality Fair recently held at Pottstown High School.
Submitted Photo

Volunteers at the event included employees from both credit unions and a representative from Wrigley’s Business Products and Services. Souvenir T‐shirts for the students were donated by Wrigley’s as well.

During the third annual event, approximately 150 students participated in the “hands on” budgeting exercise to learn more about personal financial management in a one-day “real world” environment. In preparation for the Reality Fair, students chose a career and were provided with an in-depth budgeting sheet based on that career’s education level and salary.

Students were required to budget their money to make ends meet for one month. Students visited 13 booths to find a place to live, obtain transportation, buy a cell phone, and pay for food and other essentials needed in everyday life. After visiting all of the booths, students balanced their budgets and reviewed their worksheets with a financial counselor.

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The Reality Fair was coordinated by the marketing teams from Diamond Credit Union and Tri County Area Federal Credit Union, and was made possible with guidance and materials from the Pennsylvania Credit Union Association Foundation.

Trappe

Area financial advisor receives professional designation >> Thomas A. Kalejta, president of Kalejta Financial Management, recently completed the Accredited Investment Fiduciary designation. Advisors with the designation are able to immediately show that they are interested in and working toward the best interests of their clients.

“My clients deserve an advisor who never stops learning. This industry is always changing. Continuing education is key and sometimes that means attaining new designations,” said Kalejta.

For Kalejta, the Accredited Investment Fiduciary designation is his sixth professional designation since entering the industry more than twenty years ago.

For more information about Kalejta Financial Management visit www.Kalejta.com.